The Little Tail - a book about embracing our uniqueness
Children’s book written, illustrated, designed, published by Sonja Katariina Vahasaari, 2025.
The Little Tail is a dolphin book that touches themes of insecurity, uniqueness, social pressure, acceptance and self-love.
The main character, Little Tail, is a young dolphin that has a small and curvy tail which she feels insecure about. She is wishing to look like the other dolphins and she compares herself into the “cool dolphin crew” that seem so perfect in her eyes (they’re wearing caps and chains and you know - all the cool things). Without spoiling the end of the book, the Little Tail experiences a surprising event that changes her outlook on herself and life.
Even though it’s a children’s book, I wanted to pick a theme that resonates with anyone. The feeling of insecurity at work, with friends, in the surf… anywhere at any stage of our lives, can feel daunting for many. So I wanted to write and illustrate about it. I want to teach kids from a young age to love themselves and adults to remember to do the same.
I reversed few social settings in the book to share a deeper message simultaneously with the theme of self-love and connection.
And why dolphins? They have always been my top favorite animals because of their joyful essence and play in the big blue.
I am aiming to get The Little Tail into Australian (and global!) education system! I feel like it could help many. Few schools and stores have already requested to start stocking The Little Tail and have it in their class rooms! I feel so grateful and excited!
Shop my book below!
What People Say:
“Little Tail brings happy tears to my eyes every time I read it. The author Sonja captures the feeling most of us know so well - the desire to belong. Within the pages you and Little Tail are one and the same and by the end - this book will leave you feeling grateful for who you are, exactly as you are, because we're all deserving of acceptance and love, especially from ourselves.
I'm a mum and l'd recommend this book for kids AND adults because the energy in this book is timeless love it. The illustrations are PERFECTION as well.”
–Esther B.
“My children and I were captured by The Little Tail. With cute artwork and meaningful storyline the book draws you in and the it brings positive feelings which in this modern day is very important I believe for the kids and adults. It captures the issue of fitting into this modern society and finishes with a positive twist. We have read it many times.”
–Julian C.
